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The Many Ramifications of Venezuela’s Water Crisis

Drought and infrastructure issues are forcing the citizens of Venezuela to practice water rationing and, in some cases, to turn to illicit activities. There is apparently enough blame to go around in a crisis that is beginning to have serious consequences in this South American nation of nearly 30 million inhabitants.

Detailed extensively in the facebook post by Danilo Diaz Granados entitled Water Shortage Cripples Venezuela, the crisis has begun to affect the nation economically by reducing the availability of hydroelectric power. Venezuela simply does not have enough water to turn its electricity-generating turbines. At the giant El Guri hydroelectric dam, the water level is nearly down to that required for safe operation of the turbine.

The power shortage related to the water shortage has resulted in blackouts across Venezuela, bringing darkness to city streets and in some cases reducing the efficiency of factories. At the personal level, many citizens often go without fresh water for weeks. The situation has been blamed for the theft of water from trucks, buildings and swimming pools.

Critics of Venezuela’s administration including Danilo Diaz cite corruption as a factor in the water crisis, including the lack of a commitment to improve the nation’s infrastructure. Whatever the cause, the situation has even affected the nation’s tourist industry. Many tourists are instead flocking to Cuba, which became friendly with its neighbor to the south through the actions of a previous Venezuelan administration.